Bad Boy Series: Hawk's Call (Bad Boy Romance Book 1)

by Simone Carter

  And he was exactly the type of man she did not need in her life. Her every instinct screamed he was risky. Big and gruff, a man who knew what he wanted and went after it—a man who usually got what he was after. She didn’t need that kind of drama in her life. Her sole goal for being here was to find Crystal. She didn’t need distractions from that goal… and Hawk was definitely a distraction.

  She’d had a nice day with Hawk but that was all it was. She couldn’t let him get any closer. He was Temptation with a capitol T and she didn’t know how to deal with that. She went to bed determined to focus all her attention on locating her sister… and then getting the hell back to her life in Indianapolis.

  She woke up early and spent the morning roaming the streets of Nashville again. She was hoping she might spot Crystal amongst the crowds of tourists, but she soon realized she enjoyed walking around the cozy town. The myriad of shops were fascinating with their unique offerings, and the people were friendly. She strolled through stores that offered homemade soaps and candles, painted saws, and hand-tossed pottery. She loved looking at the jewelry and leather goods and drank in a symphony of floral scents filling the air.

  There was even a shop that offered Christmas goodies all year long. The entire cabin was like a fantasy land. Christmas trees were everywhere, covered with whimsical ornaments and candy drop garland. Carols played softly in the background and smells of cinnamon and pine filled the air.

  Robyn shouldn’t like Christmas. Every one of them she’d experienced had been a disappointment. Oh, her mom had tried. She’d managed to scrape up enough for a stocking for each of them and one or two small presents. They even had a tree most years. But it was the spirit that was missing.

  Mom was usually tied up with some man that kept her attention. Robyn never curled up in her mother’s lap and listened to Christmas stories. They didn’t bake cookies or make Christmas decorations. Their house was never filled with the sound of Christmas music.

  But Robyn had never lost hope. She could fantasize about a real, old-fashioned Christmas, surrounded by a loving family and a cozy home. In here it was easy to get lost in the daydream.

  After Crystal came along, Robyn did what she could to bring the Christmas spirit into their home. Every child deserved magic at Christmas. Then, when Crystal was thirteen, their Mom got cancer and passed away less than a year later. Robyn doubled her efforts to make the holiday special. She bought decorations at thrift shops, played Christmas music, and baked cookies. She scrimped and saved and sacrificed so she could buy nice presents for her little sister.

  Being in this shop brought back the wistfulness of that time of year. She’d never been able to truly celebrate Christmas but she still had hope. Maybe someday she’d get her Christmas miracle.

  The Hawk’s Nest was super busy Friday night. There was a horseshoe tournament going on and Hawk was hosting a hog roast to celebrate the fifth anniversary of his bar and restaurant. It seemed like every soul in a hundred-mile radius poured in to take advantage of the free food.

  Robyn was kept hopping behind the bar, mixing drinks and pulling beers. A live band played in the corner and the noise had risen to a level that made it hard to hear the shouted orders. Brady worked beside her along with Moose, another biker turned bartender. Together they kept up with the demand, but just barely.

  Robyn didn’t mind the hard work. It kept her too busy to think about how long Crystal had been missing now. Was she even still in this area? Had Guts dragged her off to some other county? Or even out of state?

  “Hey, Robyn, I need a piña colada, an appletini, and two Michelobs.”

  “Coming up, Sunshine.” She acknowledged the curvy little waitress’s request and started mixing the drinks. She’d just sat them on the tray along with the two beers when Sunshine slapped her forehead.

  “I almost forgot. Isn’t the name of the guy you’re looking for Guts?”

  “Yes, yes it is. Why?”

  “He’s here.”

  Robyn’s heart accelerated.

  “Where? Sunshine, where is he?”

  “Back by the pool tables. He’s right… well, he was right there. He’s gone now.”

  Robyn’s eyes scanned the bar. If Guts was here, was Crystal here, too? Damn. She didn’t see her, or him. But she wasn’t giving up the hunt that easily.

  “Brady, I’ve got to go for a few minutes.” She tossed the words over her shoulder and headed out from behind the bar. She made her way through the tables, searching each face. When she came to the pool tables, she walked up to the wiry guy who looked to be the leader of the group and looked him straight in the eye.

  “Where is he? Where’s Guts?”

  “Guts? Hell, I don’t know.” The dude let his gaze slide up and down Robyn’s figure, a cocky grin slipping across his face. “Hell, honey, forget about Guts. I got what you’re looking for.”

  Robyn eyed the cocky man with disdain. “I don’t think so.”

  “Oh, come on, baby. That hurt.” He clutched his chest dramatically. “What’s wrong with me, huh? What’s wrong with the Hammer?”

  Robyn didn’t bother to answer him. Instead she swung around and headed towards the men’s room. If Guts was in there, she’d find him.

  She’d only taken a step or two when she felt a hand grab her shoulder. Whirling, she cast Hammer a scathing look.

  “Look, buddy, if you have any fondness at all for that arm, I’d move it immediately.” Robyn stood loose and ready, a deadly message radiating from her eyes. “Or else you won’t have it long.”

  The scruffy biker widened his eyes and lips in faux astonishment, raising a hand to cover his mouth. “Well, will you listen to that? This here little woman thinks I’m afraid of her.”

  Robyn drew in a deep, steadying breath. She’d promised Hawk she’d try to be more diplomatic, but her instincts urged her to flip this tattooed dickhead on his ass. She battled with herself, trying to talk herself out of smearing the floor with the creep, but then she shook her head slowly in defeat. Not this time. Her foot flashed out and hit the man right in the side of the knee.

  Hammer went down like a felled tree, his face twisted in shock and pain. He wasn’t done yet, though, and reached out and grabbed her ankle, jerking her foot out from under her. Robyn crashed to the floor, landing on top of her opponent. He turned in a flash and flipped her on her back, quickly straddling her and grabbing her wrists in his hands.

  Damn. How had she ended up like this? She’d made a rookie mistake. She forgot to move back out of reach after the hit. She must be losing her touch.

  She opened her eyes and let her gaze crash into his bloodshot orbs. His teeth were bared and his mouth curled up at the side. She watched a drop of spittle quivering on his lip.

  That’s when Hammer suddenly flew off her body and landed on his feet, his shirt clenched in Hawk’s beefy fist. Hawk had the smaller man almost off his feet, his toes stretching to touch the floor. Hammer pulled his arm back to aim a fist directly at Hawk’s nose but Hawk raised his other hand and captured the man’s arm before he could make contact. With one deft move he had Hammer turned around with his fist clenched in the middle of his back.

  “It’s time for you to go, fella.” Hawk accompanied his words with a quick walk towards the door, pushing Hammer along in front of him. He shoved him out the portal and sent a warning after him.

  “Don’t come back.” Turning, he faced the other men clustered around the pool table. “Any of you want to go with him?”

  The group of men mumbled and shook their heads. Hawk shot another cold look in their direction and then turned to Robyn who had climbed to her feet and was leaning against a pool table, still trying to catch her breath.

  “You. In my office. Now.”

  Chapter 12

  “Damn it, woman. Why do you always try to fight the world all by yourself?”

  As soon as they were in the office Hawk turned on her. She flinched but stood up straight, unwilling to be intimidated.

&nbs
p; “Because I can’t depend on anyone else to do it for me.” She jutted her chin proudly, her eyes flashing in anger. “I’m the only one I’ve got.”

  “God damn it. Not when you’re here. You’re never alone here. You’ll always have back up.” He rammed his hand through his hair, a look of frustration on his face, his eyes snapping with fire. “You’re going to get yourself killed one of these days.”

  For a moment Robyn felt a flash of guilt. The look on his face was of real frustration, and she could see a touch of fear there, too. But no. She would never apologize for protecting herself. She’d been taken advantage of all her life because of her small stature and her femininity. She’d never been able to depend on anyone else. She’d worked long and hard to learn how to take care of herself, to learn to depend on herself for protection. She wasn’t going to stop now. She crossed her arms stubbornly across her chest.

  “Look.” His voice gentled as he reached out and took hold of her shoulders. “I know you can take care of yourself. I’ve seen you in action. But you don’t have to be Wonder Woman while you’re here. I’m here. I want to help. Let me help you. Please. If you got hurt working for me I’d never forgive myself.”

  Robyn tried to steel herself against his words, closing her eyes. His voice was like velvet rubbing against her skin. It made her nerves come alive, gliding across sensitive endings, sending prickles along her spine. Damn. She didn’t need him. She didn’t want him to care about her. But there was something deeply ingrained within her. Something that wanted to give in to his every wish, every desire.

  “Robyn.”

  She blinked, feeling his eyes studying her, the grip on her shoulders tightening. When she opened her eyes her gaze was pinned by his. She tossed her head back, her red-gold hair tumbling past her shoulders, her eyes closing again. But even behind her lids she felt his amber gaze burning into her, looking into her very soul.

  She couldn’t fight it any more. She wanted this man. There was a flame that burned between them, a connectivity of desire that made her melt. Gone was her resistance; her hesitation vanished. For once in her life she was ready to give in to her desires, to feed her passions.

  His lips came crashing down on hers with a ferocity that she welcomed. She kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck, one leg slipping behind his knee. God, he tasted so sweet, so intoxicating. She felt the length of his body pressing into hers, his desire evident as his maleness rubbed against her pelvis. Jesus, she wanted him, had to have him, now, right here on the office floor.

  “Robyn.” He uttered her name again, his voice rippling with passion. His hands slid into her hair, gripping her head, drawing her closer. He nipped at her lips, his tongue teasing and outlining her mouth, and every touch sent her reeling further into oblivion.

  She let her hands slide along his brawny back, sculpting his muscles, tracing his physique. Lord, she’d never felt such strength, such manliness. God, she wanted to explore every inch of his body.

  She turned her head so he could slide his lips down her neck, his tongue tracing a silky-smooth path to her collarbone. She couldn’t stifle a gasp as his hands swept along her spine and up her ribs. She almost cried with relief when he cupped her breasts in his hands, his palms caressing her rock-hard nipples budding against her thin cotton shirt. Her knees were going weak, and she clung tighter to his shoulders to keep from falling down.

  Sensing her problem, Hawk pushed her back until her butt rested on his desk, his hands playing gently against her ribcage. Robyn groaned with appreciation and ran her tongue across his mouth, nibbling gently at his lips.

  When the pounding on the door came, Robyn first thought it was her heart knocking against her sternum. It was only when it came again that she realized what it was.

  Hawk slowed his motions, dropping his head against the top of her curls.

  “Damn,” he whispered. “Don’t go anywhere.”

  He straightened up, squirmed as he adjusted himself, and shouted for whoever it was to come in. Lacey Baker strode into the room. Her eyes looked at the two of them accusingly as she stood there in silence.

  “Well, what is it, Lacey?” He did a poor job of hiding his impatience.

  “We need you out front, Hawk. There’s a fight brewing. Brady sent me to get you.”

  He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “I’m on my way.”

  He turned and left, brushing past Lacey before Robyn could say anything.

  The statuesque blond didn’t move, merely eyed Robyn where she still sat on the edge of the desk, her face flushed, her lips puffy from being freshly kissed.

  “I guess you didn’t listen to anything I said the other day. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She delivered her parting shot in a frosty tone then turned on her heel and walked out of the room.

  Wow. That had been too close for comfort. Robyn’s hands shook as she wiped the bar down one last time. Once Hawk had been called out front they got so busy she couldn’t take another break. Fortunately Hawk avoided any more fights erupting that night, plus he jumped in and worked with his crew, clearing tables, taking orders, and seeing to his customers’ needs. Now the bar was closed and all was quiet. The rest of the staff had already slipped away. Robyn reached for her purse and headed towards the door.

  “Hey. Where ya going?” Hawk’s voice came from behind her and she froze in position. Damn. She’d hoped to sneak away without seeing him again tonight.

  “I need to go back to the motel, Hawk.” She kept her back turned towards him, not wanting to look into his eyes.

  “I was hoping you would stay.”

  Robyn’s shoulders sagged.

  “I know you were…” her voice trailed off as she drew in a deep breath. “What happened tonight… back there… it’s a bad idea.”

  Hawk moved nearer, turning her to face him. His golden cat eyes raked over her face. “I don’t think so, Robyn. I think it’s an excellent idea.”

  “Hawk, I can’t get tangled up with anybody right now. I’ve got to focus on finding Crystal, making sure she’s safe. Besides, you’re my boss.” She tried to make her voice sound strong, not tight and tense like it came out. “Please.”

  He slid his hands down her arms, taking in her unhappy face.

  “Okay, it’s okay. I know you’re tired and this has happened pretty fast.” His rich voice washed over her. “But this isn’t over, Robyn. Not by a long shot. Now come on. I’ll walk you to your car.”

  Chapter 13

  Robyn drove the curving road slowly, peering through a thick fog that had settled in the valleys. She felt like there was fog just as thick clouding her mind. She really wanted Jameson Hawkins, with every ounce of womanhood in her. But her strong sense of self-preservation held her back. She wasn’t willing to take the risk, not only emotionally, but physically as well. Hawk was a powerful man and she didn’t know him well enough to know if he would physically assault her if he lost his temper. She’d seen it happen to her mother with every relationship she’d ever been in.

  Oh, they started out fine. At first they were all smiles and sweetness. It hadn’t taken long, though, for their true colors to come through.

  That’s one reason Robyn had never been in a serious relationship. Her faith and trust in men was nonexistent. That, and she’d been so busy raising Crystal she never had a chance to explore any romantic avenues.

  Robyn glanced in her rearview mirror. Whoever was driving behind her was either on a motorcycle or only had one headlight. He’d been riding her tail since right after she’d left the bar. Well, she guessed, he was headed into Nashville. He’d need to go this way if he was. But did he have to follow so close behind? It seemed like he kept getting closer to her bumper. Why didn’t he just pass her if he was in such a hurry?

  Of course this road wasn’t a good one to pass on. Too many dips and curves. Trying to get around someone in this fog wouldn’t be a good idea.

  The side road teed into the highway. She stopped, looked cautiously, th
en turned left. She deliberately hadn’t turned on her signal. She was hoping what she could now tell was a bike would go the other way. No such luck. He came around the corner revving his motor, flying up behind her.

  What the hell? Was this guy drunk or just some kind of an idiot? Despite the fog, Robyn pushed her foot a little harder on the accelerator in an attempt to put some distance between them, but he kept right up with her. He’d speed up and ride her ass, then drop back a ways, then race forward again.

  By the time Robyn was nearing the motel she was just as angry as she was afraid. This guy was going to get himself or someone else killed driving like that. Without warning, she jerked the car into the Meadowlark’s parking lot and pulled up before her door. As she climbed out of the car and headed towards her room she turned and looked at the road.

  A lone motorcycle was stopped on the highway just past the entrance to the inn, just visible through the curtain of fog. The rider stood feet planted firmly apart, face hidden by a shield on his helmet. She knew he was watching her. She forced herself to walk at a normal pace, not allowing herself to run away. She didn’t want to show her fear. She strolled casually, her eyes never leaving her watcher, her keys in her hand, ready to use as a weapon if necessary. When she reached her door she inserted the key, let herself in, and locked the door behind her, leaning against its firm support.

  A few minutes later she gathered up the courage to peek out the window. The motorcycle was gone, the man along with it. Only the shifting fog was visible.

  Her sleep was restless that night. She kept drifting between thoughts of the man on the motorcycle and images of her hot boss. She tossed and turned, ending up with her blankets twisted around her body. When she finally did fall asleep she had nightmares. She dreamt she could see her sister Crystal right in front of her. She called her name, but Crystal kept walking, ignoring her.